Union to Blame for Harley Leaving York, PA?

[Remphoto]

There's a discussion over at 1130cc.com regarding threats by Harley to close this plant and relocate to an undisclosed location. Apparently the plant has environmental issues related to its past life as an ordinance plant and it is somewhat dated.

The part of the discussion most interesting to me regards the role its Union is playing in the decision to relocate. Is HD trying to break the Union by moving to a more union-friendly part of the country? Or is it simply consolidating operations with other facilities as a result of a declining market?

if EFCA is passed as some think, there potentially will be no union-safe harbor for it in the U.S. That begs the question whether it might end up overseas.

Another aspect of this is the impact such a move might have on Senator Specter, who up to now has said he won't support EFCA.

Any of you thoughts on this issue?

[gtrman66]

I think it would be ironic if they closed, moved to Texas and hired me as the Director of Manufacturing Engineering.... well I can dream can't I?

[TaxmanHog]

I'm thinking on a GRAND SCALE......in the local market those who have the ability to purchase real estate for the first time or after many years of renting are getting great deals on some of the foreclosed properties, these folks of course are financially stable & capable of supporting the commitment.

Now....move that concept to big business, is it possible that Harley is eyeballing a dormant production facility some place in the Warm-Belt or elsewhere that they could turn-key (relatively speaking) moving production activity from York to where ever in a slightly used modern facility with much less baggage then York has?

It's possible.

As to the Union, it's probable they would continue with them where ever they located with in the USA, but having a new crop of employees thankful to have a job, at least the contract negotiations might go a lot smoother.

[Remphoto]

I toured the York HD plant last summer. Everything seemed pretty modern and automated. Lots of modern presses and tooling. They were especially proud of the chroming operation. All HD chrome for all models is supposedly prepared there. Many people were touring the plant as it is a destination for many HD riders.

[TaxmanHog]

I agree, Marie & I have been there a couple of times (I got the Factory Tour shirt too:rofl.).

If the Total Cost of Operation is cheaper someplace else, they should consider it.

[cajun]

We have been discussing it on the other harley forum to. General opinion seems to be mexico.

[Jeb]

Union cost are too high and no willingness to give makes it hard to negotiate!

[gtrman66]

I can't see them taking the operation to Mexico and surviving. I would probably sell both of mine and get a Victory.

[right$pecial]

Agreed. "Made in Mexico" would fly in the face of the whole patriotism aura that Harley has surrounded itself with even if some of their parts are already not made in America in some cases. They need to move to a right to work state and tell the unions to go screw themselves.

[TaxmanHog]

I do not think they wold leave the country, but might consider warmer climates or lower cost of living area like KCMO

[Max]

Harley seems like a company caught up in living it's own history. I really doubt they move but they may be threatening for leverage in negotiations.

[gtrman66]

or move to Dallas :D I would work there.

My '95 has the front forks, carb, stereo and instrument cluster "Made in Japan". The fuse blocks, relays etc and "Made in Germany". I have no idea where all the parts from my V-Rod originated.

[Max]

or move to Dallas :D I would work there.

My '95 has the front forks, carb, stereo and instrument cluster "Made in Japan". The fuse blocks, relays etc and "Made in Germany". I have no idea where all the parts from my V-Rod originated.

That's just it, now more and more is simply assembled in the US. Last year they started producing many of the engine parts in China from what I understand. I know the newer v-rod cams are made there.

[Remphoto]

Have a little debate occurring on the 1130cc site regarding union influence on today's wage structures. I suggested they would come over here to discuss it and perhaps give G a little support (assuming he comes back). Anyway, for those who may not have seen it, the following argument for the viability of Unions was presented:

They (Unions) still set the pace and always will. A complete non-union United States would be a disaster and really reveal the greed that exists.
Unions, a small percentage of the work force? A very powerful percentage of the workforce. Auto, trucking, air travel, entertainment and all peripherals, skilled trades, skilled labor and so on and so on.

What say you?

[TaxmanHog]

For decades in the past the Unions, especialy the UAW have ratchetted up the compensation packages to the benefit of thier constituants, unfortunatley the rest of the US/Owrld labor force has lagged substantially behind the trend.

A rising tide may lift all boats, but if your in a dingy, it's still a dingy when the UAW & other strongly represented (POWERFULLY CONNECTED IN DC) are in an Ocean Liner heading for an Ice Berg

[Jeb]

It will come tumbling down soon as we al know a good product might sell as I just bought a 2008 CBR 1000 RR because Honda offered a deal and HD would not! My TC/IC 2004 Vrod has everything I want in a power cruizer and the CBR has top end potential! Jeb

[MYCAR47562]

It will come tumbling down soon as we al know a good product might sell as I just bought a 2008 CBR 1000 RR because Honda offered a deal and HD would not! My TC/IC 2004 Vrod has everything I want in a power cruizer and the CBR has top end potential! Jeb

:eek: you crazy son of a bitch

[Jeb]

I know...second childhood! But, I don't risk my life carelessly anymore...except on a track which is really safer than the street! The CBR 1000 is so light and controllable it is easy to ride to work. Besides my TC Vrod is fast enough to get me killed too! Jeb

[MYCAR47562]

:rofl: